When you relate to music on a worldwide scale, there are the obvious places that stand out. Anyone who’s anyone will know about the Bay Area, San Francisco (METALLCIA, MACHINE HEAD etc.)…the massive Scandinavian alternative scene that’s blossomed over the last decade, and also, recently, the middle-east has emerged as one of the most promising underground heavy scenes of the modern era, but some places just don’t seem to have that “scene”. Take Italy for example…everybody’s heard of ﻿﻿﻿LACUNA COIL﻿﻿﻿, lots of people are familiar with DOPE STARS INC. but, other than that, there doesn’t seem to be any other Italian band that’s even remotely famous…well one band who doesn’t care about all of that, are ARTEMIXIA COR. Formed in the town of Marsala on the isle of Sicily, they’ve combined a mixture of post-grunge, metal and doom and unleashed their newest album; “As God Intended”…a confident claim indeed.The album starts off with “This Song For You”,a riff-heavy, classic sounding piece of metal, the guitars are bold and played with passion, and vocally, front man Antony Mannone delivers a performance not unlike Phil Anselmo in places, just not as deep, but it has that rugged character to it. “Cores” keeps the metal coming in abundance with a driving bass-line and more riff’s, it’s an early album highlight, with a cheeky little solo too courtesy of Guiseppe Di Giorgi.First single “Riding This Wave” starts off rather mellow in tone with some melodic acoustic guitar and incorporates some much softer vocals, but the shift in tempo isn’t a bad thing, showing the Italian trio are more than capable of mixing it up creatively. It’s slightly bluesy and is an enjoyable listen. “The End Of Line” starts off similarly in tempo, a slow burner, has a mad moment just past the two minute mark, then settles back down again, a bit of a yoyo of a track, before we finish up on “A Chip On My Shoulder”.We’re back to the heavy vocals for this one, and despite its slow, drawn out intro, turns into a pleasantly climatic barrage. As a whole, ArtemiXia Cor are a decent unit; they clearly love what they do and show passion for the heritage of the genre and “As God Intended” is proof of that. Granted they could benefit from a little polishing off here and there, tweaking a few things and smoothing things out, but there’s substance to this album which indicates a lot of potential. [5]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ArtemiXiA-Cor/239688582844819

Absolutely nobody is safe in music…it doesn’t matter what genre your band is, how successful you are, nothing is guaranteed, and if anything were to hammer that point home, it would be SLIPKNOT. The 18-legged Iowan metal monster was on top of the world back in 2008 when they released “All Hope Is Gone”; headlining festivals, massive tours…they were the biggest metal band on the planet…but…it all seemingly crumbled. In 2010, bassist and founding member Paul Gray was found dead in a hotel room having accidentally overdosed on morphine, much to the shock and dismay of many, many people around the world, but not only that, in late 2013, iconic drummer Joey Jordison was himself released from the band, sparking much debate over the future of the masked nine piece. Was this the end of the band? Hell. Fucking. No. This is Slipknot, and despite the hardships the nu-metal survivors face, they always triumph, so in 2014, it’s no surprise we see them release the brand new album “.5: The Gray Chapter”…is this closure, a memoir, or simply a new beginning? Let’s find out…

The album opens up with “XIX” (19 for those who aren’t familiar with Roman) and it seems very much like a fresh start. It’s a long drawn out intro, it’s slow, it’s brooding and lyrically you can feel the struggle, you can feel the trepidation surrounding the band and whether they should even be doing this…it’s simple but emotionally perfect and you can see this album isn’t going to pull any punches right away. “Sarcastrophe” follows next, harking back not only to the days of “Disasterpiece” in its play on words, but it’s style generally. There are slight elements of “Iowa” era Slipknot here mixed within the ever progressive heaviness the band dabble in from album to album and Its equally refreshing and reflective.

First single proper; “The Devil In I” pushes things further toward the notion of cleansing and continuation within the band. The video for the track depicting each member destroying their former selves, working behind new masks, new persona’s…bass and drums are filled by newly masked mystery performers, it’s all done very artistically without feeling pompous and really hammers home the message; “We’re back”. Talking of statements, it wouldn’t be a Slipknot album without some fine-tuned brutality…and we get that in abundance within tracks such as “Lech”,“Nomadic” and “Custer”, especially the latter, very reminiscent of the “Vol. 3” era.

There are moments though where front man Corey Taylor showcases his powerful vocal range with his singing, he’s not happy simply pummelling you, with moments during “Killpop” and “Goodbye” proving what a versatile performer Taylor really is, on occasion his voice is simply beautiful. Debut new track “The Negative One”is again an amalgamation of styles spanning the bands career, bridging the gap between past, present and future in terms of where they fit in in today’s scene, before we finish up on “If Rain Is What You Want”, a deeply passionate, morose, almost death ballad of sorts, rounding off what’s quintessentially a brilliant album.

The initial question was, is this new album closure, or the rebirth of one of the biggest bands of the modern era, and to be honest, it’s both. The sentiment and retrospect is there for all to see, the tip of the hat in remembrance to Paul, the acknowledgement of all the success behind them, yet the progression is there too, proving that even with the world falling down around you, there’s always light, and all hope is in fact not gone. This is easily one of the albums of the year, even removing the hype surrounding it, and it’s easily one of the best chapters in the bands career to date. If you haven’t heard it…be prepared for hell… [9]

Where, oh where do I begin with this one? Formed in Germany by the duo of Boog and Diana…JUNKSISTA, who’s influences vary from NINE INCH NAILS, LADY GAGA and DAFT PUNK, cite their interests as “cunt rockin’”…according to their Facebook bio at least, and with their mix of alternative electro pop and sexually charged lyrics they sure make for an interesting listen, and their newest album, “High Voltage Confessions”,is no exception. Brace yourselves… The album starts off with “Get A Grip”,which despite being full track length, just feels like a really long intro, it never really takes off and seems to drag on a bit, before we get to “Live A Little”.A change in direction for this one, with an almost 70’s sounding element of funk to the guitars. It’s still a slow track however and still we find ourselves waiting for the album to get going…it’s not a promising start.“I Hate You” solves that instantly. The up-beat electronic track is a really catchy piece of music. It’s got that European pop vibe but it’s simple and pleasant on the ears, it’s only downfall being the delivery of Diana’s lyrics…they aren’t filled with a great deal of passion, given the track title, and some of the lines are a little bit ridiculous; “I’ll kick your ass and pull your hair, and put a whoopee cushion on your chair”…I mean…really? Hopefully that’s enough of that…but oh how wrong can you be, with the follow up track “Sex On A Stick”.More questionable lyrics here and sadly this one doesn’t have the saving grace of being as catchy as the last track…On the subject of questionability, we have “P.I.T.T.”…possibly the most random acronym you’ll ever come across for a track title…”Punch In The Twat”. I’m not even kidding; words literally evade me, while the rest of the album consists of relatively generic synth-driven numbers, such as “Strictly Physical”and “Panties”. Sadly it’s that generic synth-pop that’s the albums only retribution, some of the tracks are enjoyable, musically, and would benefit from being instrumental, other than that, the vocals either lack life, or just make you cringe, and that’s not good. There is a second disk consisting of remixes too…but I’m not even going there. [4] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Junksista iTunes: High Voltage Confessions (Deluxe Edition) - Junksista

Often I mention South Wales having a vibrant and healthy music scene, but I’m not completely biased; there are plenty of brilliant up and coming bands scattered around the rest of the UK too, and one such band is Bristol’s SYREN CITY. The unsigned 5-piece have been gathering momentum over the few years they’ve been together, having shared stages with the likes of MALLORY KNOX and DON BROCO, earning themselves a respectable country wide fan-base after gigging extensively. 2014 sees them release their newest EP; “Escape”…let’s see what they’re running from… We start off with a track called “Bleed”, which sneaks up on you with a funky bass-driven intro, before the band let rip with their blend of melodic, alternative post-hardcore. Front man Simon Roach’s vocals occasionally hitting unexpected high notes that give the track an extra dynamic; a positive start.“Our Disease” follows up more or less immediately with more up-beat, riff-laden rock ‘n roll swagger, it’s all sounding highly confident, which can also be said for “Fire In Your Name”;a little lighter on the ears but incredibly catchy, utilising a big sing along chorus and gang-vocals, there’s plenty more solid riff-work, an EP highlight. “Long Way Down” takes things down to a grittier, dirtier level, providing some of the heaviest material the EP has to offer, before we finish up on “Asphodel”,which when reaching its peak can be described as nothing short of epic. The clean vocals oozing with passion and its one of those tracks which leaves you wanting more after the record’s stopped; great stuff. This is really strong effort by the boys from Bristol and, knowing they’re currently still unsigned is quite frankly hard to digest. They punch well above their weight in that sense, if you ask me “Escape” is their way of clawing they’re way out of that underground scene and bursting into the wider world…they have the ability, it’s time people sat up and took heed; ones to watch for sure. [7] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SyrenCity iTunes: Escape - EP - Syren City

Eventually, it has to be accepted, whether we like or not, all things must come to an end, and our beloved bands are no exception. Often you hear of bands announcing farewell tours, one last hurrah for the fans, but when MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE suddenly announced enough was enough, no one was expecting it. The New Jersey based emo icons had gone from strength to strength, always changing, always evolving, be it the theatrical-pomp of “Welcome To The Black Parade” or the futuristic undertones of “Danger Days”,they always ensured they were fresh and exciting, with fans not knowing what to expect from one album to another. Not that it mattered, given they had one of the most devoted fan bases of anyone you can think of anyway…so as you can imagine, when MCR called time, a lot of people were upset. Luckily however, every cloud has a silver lining, and this cloud comes in the shape of GERARD WAY. The charismatic frontman has decided to go it alone, releasing his debut solo album “Hesitant Alien”;is he right to be cautious? The album begins with a track called “The Bureau”…a slow, methodical number, a simple drum beat plodding along almost lifelessly, and it’s a bit of a sluggish start really. The track gains some momentum towards its climax but it’s a little messy and hardly encouraging…thankfully however, “Action Cat” restores hope immediately with some infectious, up-beat bass driven indie-rock. It’s bold and it’s fun, with Way’s distinctive vocals a pleasure to hear once more in their clearer delivery.“No Shows” continues along the route of melodic indie-rock but it’s on the verge of sounding all too generic with no real spark to it, despite sounding pleasant, which can also be said about “Millions” too. Returning to the darker, pulsing sound of the albums opener, “Zero Zero” adds a bit of attitude to proceedings without the monotony of said opener, but it’s still a slow burner, whilst “Drugstore Perfume” and “How’s It Going To Be” maintain the general, easy on the ears, jovial tones carried throughout. Whereas I’m sure there are very many people welcoming back Way with open arms and ears, if you’re looking for a fresh dose of MCR, it’s not going to happen. It can be applauded that here we find Way once again trying something new, something different, reinventing himself for this new chapter in his career, but for a debut, it’s generally pretty flat bar a couple tracks that are no more than decent. The die-hards will lap it up because it’s Gerard Way, but it could have and should have been better. [6] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerardway“Hesitant Alien” on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/hesitant-alien/id908544384?uo=4&at=10lMsK

When a band emerges onto any scene and instantly makes people sit up and take notice, especially the media heavyweights, we tend to find ourselves in a bit of a catch-22, and one such band right now are the MARMOZETS. The 5-piece (consisting of vocalist Becca Macintyre, guitarists Sam Macintyre and Jack Bottomley, bassist Will Bottomley and drummer Josh Macintyre…it’s a family thing) who hail from Yorkshire, upon releasing their first EP’s; 2011’s “Passive Aggressive” and 2012’s “Vexed”,found themselves getting huge praise in numerous reviews from the likes of Kerrang!, Rock Sound and Big Cheese…this is what all bands want, to say otherwise would be foolish, but it leaves the band with an issue; they now have to keep up the momentum and deliver and equally good if not better album or face losing out to any other potential future star…have they risen to the challenge with “The Weird And Wonderful Marmozets”?Let’s find out… Opening track “Born Young And Free” dives straight into some off kilter guitar work, befitting with the math-rock tag that they’ve been labelled with on previous outings, before Becca chirps in with some aggressive and self-assured vocals. She’s a confident front woman that gives a blistering punk-inspired performance resulting in a hard hitting introduction. “Why Do You Hate Me?”has elements of THE PRETTY RECKLESS in its delivery but retains a sense of indie rock at its core, ARCTIC MONKEYS at their heaviest for example. It’s got some great rhythm and it’s an enjoyable track.“Captivate You”, as far as things go here at least, is a mellower effort, a crushing ballad if you will; with the emotion clear to all but guarded with some solid string-work shielding any sense of vulnerability, which can also be said for “Cry”,which is a wonderfully sad yet powerful song. The title track of sorts, “Weird And Wonderful” brings things back up to a generally indie rock tempo with its foot-tapping beat, but it’s when Becca and co let their hair down where Marmozets are at their peak, with “Vibetech” and “Love You Good” being played with authority. What we wanted to know was, have this close-knit family band got the continuity and integrity to step up and record a full length album without losing any of their spark? The quickest answer is yes basically. Weird and wonderful by nature as well as by name, yet it works for them so well. The range of styles they shift in and out of keep the album interesting from start to finish and everything is played with such confidence; these are definitely no flash in the pan. There’s a new wave of British rock on the horizon and Marmozets will be of the first to reach shore. [8] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marmozets iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/weird-wonderful-marmozets/id905480340

Since their formation in 2009, THE UNDIVIDED have become yet another success story from the hotbed of talent that is South Wales. With their initial EP’s; “Machines”and “Safety” being very well received, support slots that include shows for the likes of ASH, also more recently KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES and THE DIRTY YOUTH, the Cardiff based 4-piece are well equipped to become part of the next wave of UK breakthrough bands. 2014 sees them release their debut album, “This New Day”, which has been supported with the funding of the Arts Council Of Wales…was the money well invested? Kicking the album off with the title track, we’re met with the soaring vocals of Joe Disson over a blend of up-beat indie-rock. It’s big, bold and the stuff of anthems, combining the likes of FEEDER and 4th STREET TRAFFIC in its delivery and radio friendly qualities, a fantastic start. “Worlds Apart” takes things up a level with an incredibly catchy, up-tempo intro, backed with an equally catchy chorus, some great guitar work from Joe and fellow 6-stringer Lew Bray, the whole track has hit written all over it and is an early album highlight.“Breathe” continues with the theme of utilising the massive chorus, encouraging huge sing-along moments not only at live shows but generally wherever you listen to it, it’s that infectious, which can also be said for “Headlights”. A fine a dose of melodic indie inspired pop as you will find. The album does have its gentler moments too however, with the likes of “Ghosts”,“Tiny Little Lights” and closing track “Futures” wrapping things up nicely on what is a well-rounded album.

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Gavin J Griffiths, a.k.a GavTheGothicChav, lover of new music and supporter of bands. Inspired by a mixture of horror and comedy, and fueled by a blend of alcohol and sarcasm...if you're a singer / in a band and would like a review written up, please do get in touch via the email address at the top of the page and I'll get back to you ASAP. Much love x